Print

Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon with Asparagus

easy one-pan lemon butter salmon - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring tender salmon fillets roasted with fresh asparagus and a flavorful lemon butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and fuss-free dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin on or off depending on preference
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by snapping them where they naturally break, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until smooth.
  3. Lightly oil your pan with olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin side down (or presentation side down if skinless) in the center of the pan. Scatter asparagus around the salmon in a single layer. Season everything generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Spread the lemon butter sauce evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets and drizzle a little over the asparagus.
  5. Roast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on salmon thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender but crisp.
  6. Optional: Turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a golden top on the salmon. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the salmon and asparagus before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature salmon for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure asparagus roasts instead of steams. Watch garlic in the butter sauce to prevent bitterness. Fresh lemon zest and juice enhance flavor. For thicker asparagus, blanch for 2 minutes before roasting. Dairy-free option: substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon butter sauce, asparagus, one-pan meal, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy salmon, roasted asparagus

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-butter-salmon-with-asparagus-recipe-perfect-for-quick-healthy-dinners/